Keeper of the Lost Cities, Page 34

  The room swam around her and Sophie wobbled on her feet. Being held back was better than Exillium—for sure. But it would still mean being left behind by all her friends.

  “If I may propose an alternative solution?” Alden interrupted, rising with an elegant bow.

  Sophie held her breath as Emery gestured for him to proceed.

  “The rules state that she must qualify for eight sessions to advance. Not that she must pass eight sessions. And recent events have revealed that Sophie has developed a second special ability.” Alden paused for the murmurs in the crowd to quiet. “Obviously, that would qualify her for a session training her in her new ability. Therefore, it would seem not only practical, but prudent, to replace her alchemy session—which she obviously has no future career prospects in”—he flashed Sophie a smile—“with a session studying inflicting.”

  The rumble of the audience shifting in their seats mirrored Sophie’s internal unease. She had mixed feelings about being able to inflict pain on others at will—and she wasn’t sure she wanted to train in it. But if it got her into the next level at Foxfire, it would be worth it.

  Emery stroked his chin. “That would be logical.”

  “Absolutely not,” Bronte barked, a vein throbbing in his forehead. “I refuse.”

  “That’s not your decision to make,” Emery informed him with a smile. “An ability as volatile as inflicting qualifies for a majority vote decision and”—he closed his eyes—“we have it. Eleven to one in favor. That settles it. Miss Foster will continue her studies at Foxfire, and an inflicting session will replace her alchemy session.”

  Someone cheered—Dex or Keefe, Sophie wasn’t sure—and the whole audience followed their lead, erupting into applause and chanting her name.

  “So I passed?” Sophie asked Alden, shouting over the chaos. “I can stay?”

  She wanted to smile when he nodded, but the glare Bronte was directing at her was so hateful it nearly knocked her over.

  He cleared his throat, silencing the room. “You can force me to Mentor her in my ability, but her final grade will be up to me, and I can guarantee she will not pass.”

  Angry murmurs rose as Sophie turned to Alden. “Bronte’s going to be my Mentor?”

  She waited for him to tell her it was a mistake, but Alden nodded. “Bronte’s the only registered Inflictor—besides you. It’s a very rare ability.”

  Her mind reeled with horror. Bronte made Lady Galvin seem cuddly. “But . . . he’s planning to fail me.”

  “We’ll deal with that when the time comes. For now, just be glad you’ve earned another year at Foxfire.”

  She knew he was right, but it was hard to be excited about a year of one-on-one sessions with Bronte—learning how to inflict pain. She didn’t even want to imagine how he’d teach something like that. Next year was going to be very interesting.

  “There’s one more matter we must address before we close,” Emery announced, calling the room back to order. “It’s a delicate matter, however, and one I think best left only to immediate friends and family. Everyone else, please see yourselves out.” He waited until the crowd left, then turned to Sophie. “It appears we have two adoption requests for you, Miss Foster. One from Alden and Della Vacker, and the other from Grady and Edaline Ruewen. The Council feels it should be your choice, so we’re leaving the decision up to you.”

  Sophie spun around, her eyes finding Grady and Edaline.

  Grady gave her a small smile. “It’s your call, Sophie. Whatever you decide, we’ll still love you.”

  Edaline nodded her agreement. Her eyes looked misty.

  Alden squeezed Sophie’s hand and she jumped. She’d forgotten he was still next to her. “Della and I want you to be happy. Wherever you decide to live won’t change anything.”

  Sophie nodded and swallowed the tangle of emotions, trying to sort them out.

  She turned back to Grady and Edaline, taking in Edaline’s tearstained cheeks and dark circles, and Grady’s puffy eyes and rigid jaw.

  She knew what she needed to do. What she wanted to do.

  “Do you need some time to decide?” Emery asked her.

  “No. I’ve made up my mind.” She took a deep breath and cleared the emotion out of her voice as she turned to face the Council. “I want to stay with Grady and Edaline Ruewen.”

  She wasn’t sure who cheered louder, Grady and Edaline—or Dex.

  Then she dipped another curtsy as Emery concluded the tribunal, and the Councillors glittered away.

  Alden wrapped Sophie up in a big bear hug. “I’m so proud of you,” he whispered. “And I think you made the right decision.”

  “I think so too,” she said, glad he understood.

  Living with Alden and Della would’ve been awesome, but Grady and Edaline needed her. And she needed them too. She could never be Jolie, and they could never be the mom and dad she’d lost. But they could still be there for each other.

  Alden led her outside, where all her friends had gathered under one of the Pures. Grady lifted her, twirling her twice before setting her down so Edaline could strangle her with a hug.

  “You won’t regret that decision,” Edaline whispered, kissing her cheek. “I promise.”

  “I know I won’t,” Sophie whispered back. “I love you guys.”

  “We love you too.” Grady crushed her with a hug, and when he pulled away his eyes were wet with tears.

  Sophie scrubbed her own tears away with the back of her hand.

  “For the record, I’m really glad they didn’t exile you,” Dex said as he gave her an awkward hug. “And I’m really glad you aren’t going to be a Vacker,” he whispered in her ear.

  Sophie rolled her eyes, but her lips still twisted into a smile. Some things never change—and she wasn’t sure that was a bad thing.

  “So you don’t want to live with us?” Fitz teased, nudging her arm. “I see how it is.”

  “I know,” Keefe agreed. “You save a girl’s life one day and the next day she trades you away like a Prattles’ pin.”

  Biana shoved her way between them. “She probably couldn’t stand the thought of having you guys around all the time—and I can’t say I blame her.”

  Sophie giggled. “You guys don’t mind?”

  “Nah. One little sister is more than I can handle already,” Fitz said as he sidestepped Biana’s shove. “I guess I’ll have to settle for being your friend.”

  “Friend sounds good,” Sophie agreed. Her heart fluttered when their eyes connected, and she backed a step away before Keefe noticed the change in her mood. Friend was way better than little sister.

  “You still staying with us tonight?” Biana asked.

  “Actually, I think I want to sleep in my room—if that’s okay.” She glanced at Grady and Edaline. They smiled and nodded.

  Della pulled Sophie in for a hug. “Just make sure you visit us sometimes.”

  “I will.”

  “You’d better. Oh, and we got you something.” Della handed Sophie a small teal box. “To congratulate you for surviving another tribunal.”

  Keefe snorted. “Leave it to Foster to face multiple tribunals in nine months.”

  Sophie ignored him as she pulled a black nexus from the box. It was almost identical to the one the kidnappers stole from her, except it had tiny swirls of diamonds set into the sides instead of the runes. “Thank you,” she said, fingering the glittering teal jewel in the center.

  “I know you liked your other one, so I tried to find one close to that, but a little bit more feminine. I hope it’s okay,” Della said.

  “It’s perfect.”

  “Your concentration is strong enough to not need one, but Elwin doesn’t want you leaping alone until you’ve given your body some time to recover,” Alden explained as he locked the nexus on her wrist. “This one will only unlatch when Elwin
decides you’re ready, and uses a special key. And these just came from the registry.” He handed her and Dex new registry pendants. They were fancier than their old pendants. Small copper beads framed each side of the crystal—which was now a triangle with three facets on each side—and extra cords had been woven into the chain, making it triply thick.

  “Added security measures,” Alden explained as Edaline swept Sophie’s hair back and clasped the choker snug around her neck.

  Sophie squeezed the pendant, feeling more like herself again. She would always be slightly different, but in her own way, she finally belonged. And with the extra protection she could almost let go of her worries about the kidnappers.

  Almost.

  She reached for Grady’s and Edaline’s hands, feeling safer with someone to hold on to. Not just someone. Her family.

  “You ready to go?” Edaline asked, squeezing her hand tighter.

  “Yeah. I think I am.” She took another look at the smiling faces of all her friends. They were safe. She was safe. Everything was going to be okay.

  Grady tightened his grip on her hand as he held the pathfinder up to the light. “Well, come on then. Let’s go home.”

  She nodded, letting his words sink into her heart.

  They stepped into the path, and a comforting warmth that had nothing to do with the rushing light overwhelmed Sophie.

  It had been a long and difficult journey, but she finally knew where she belonged.

  Sophie Foster was going home.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  This might be the part of the book I’ve enjoyed writing the most, because I finally get a chance to thank the many, many people who’ve helped me bring this story into the world. I am not exaggerating when I say that I could not have done it without them.

  To my incredible agent, Laura Rennert, thank you for taking a chance on the extremely nervous blond girl at the conference, and for bearing with me through all my rambling emails, incessant questions, and shenanigans. I could not have found a better source of wisdom, encouragement, or support to guide me through this journey.

  I also must thank Lara Perkins for her brilliant insights into my story, and everyone at Andrea Brown Literary, who’ve proven to me that I’m with the best literary agency around. My deepest thanks also go to Taryn Fagerness for being a tremendous champion for this series, and for helping me share it with the world.

  To my amazing editor, Liesa Abrams Mignogna, it is both an honor and a joy to work with you. I look forward to every email, every text, and every editorial note written on Batman notepaper. Thank you for giving me the chance to work with my Wonder Twin, and for helping me turn my draft into the book I always wanted it to be.

  I also have to thank everyone at Simon & Schuster for believing in this project and giving it their time, love, and enthusiasm, including Alyson Heller, Lauren Forte, Bethany Buck, Mara Anastas, Anna McKean, Carolyn Swerdloff, Julie Christopher, and Lucille Rettino. Huge thanks also go to the entire sales team for their hard work and support, to Karin Paprocki for designing my gorgeous cover, and to Jason Chan who absolutely blew me away with his stunning artwork. Plus a special thank you to Venessa Carson for proving herself the best matchmaker ever.

  To Faith Hochhalter, you didn’t know me when I attended Project Book Babe, but I am so incredibly lucky to now call you my friend. Thank you for inspiring me, for your invaluable insights into my writing, and, of course, for the copious amounts of hugs and ponies.

  I also must thank all of the authors who supported Project Book Babe. That event truly was a turning point for me, and I’m not sure any of this would have happened without it. Thank you for helping me realize what I wanted and giving me the motivation to get started.

  To C.J. Redwine, thank you for telling me I was “the real deal” when I most needed to hear it. I could not have gotten this far without your constant pep talks, your #hitsend campaigns, and your hilarious and honest notes that pushed me to be a better writer. These . . . ellipses . . . are . . . for . . . you. . . .

  To Sara McClung, thank you for reading this book as many times as I have, for wading through all the emails titled: “No—use THESE pages!” (especially since I tend to forget the attachment), and for enduring all of our countless (and infamous) brainstorming sessions. I would seriously be lost without you.

  To Sarah Wylie, founding member of Team Keefe, thank you for always being there to dispense industry advice, spot-on critiques, and in-depth discussion of boy bands, Friends, or American Idol—whichever I needed most. You have definitely earned each and every, “I told you so” that you owe me.

  To Elana Johnson, thank you for all the brilliant things you come up with—and for letting me be a part of them. And thank you for your fantastic notes, which helped me find my path back after I’d lost my way in the sea of revisions.

  I also have to thank Emma Eisler and Laura Wiseman for a lifesaving brainstorming session that finally led us to the perfect title (after months of trying). You both are welcome to name my books any time!

  To the entire WriteOnCon team, thank you for letting me be part of such a special project. My deepest thanks also go to all the agents, editors, authors, and attendees who share their time and make WriteOnCon what it is.

  I will also never be able to properly express my gratitude to all of the authors who have tolerated my cyber-stalking and answered my questions and generally treated me like an equal. I’m sure I’m probably forgetting some of you (SORRY!), but I have to thank Jay Asher, Robin Brande, Michael Buckley, Kimberly Derting, Bree Despain, Carrie Harris, Karen Amanda Hooper, P.J. Hoover, Jon S. Lewis, Barry Lyga, Lisa Mantchev, Myra McEntire, Lisa McMann, Stephanie Perkins, Beth Revis, Lisa and Laura Roecker, Veronica Rossi, Lisa Schroeder, Andrew Smith, Natalie Whipple, and Kiersten White. And to the fabulous Bookanistas, thank you for being a source of knowledge, laughter, and the most incredible cheerleaders a girl could ask for.

  The online writing community has also been a tremendous support group for me, especially Myrna Foster, Jamie Harrington, Casey McCormick, Shannon O’Donnell, Courtney Stallings Barr, Carolina Valdez Miller, and Heather Zundel. And to all of my awesome blog followers, thank you for clicking the follow button and leaving comments, and generally making me feel far more special and important than I am. I appreciate each and every one of you, and am constantly grateful that you share a small bit of your time with me.

  To my parents, thank you for believing in every crazy dream I’ve pursued, and never doubting that I could do it. I could say more, but I think the dedication says it all.

  And, I’ve saved the best for last, ending with the person who truly makes everything else possible. To my best friend, and husband, Miles, thank you for each and every sacrifice you’ve made so I could chase this difficult dream. You have cheered me on, held my hand through all the highs and lows, and even managed not to laugh (too much) the first time you caught me talking to my characters (and the many times thereafter). I know you used to tell me that you couldn’t give me the book deal I so desperately wanted. But really, you did. I could not have done this without you. Thank you for believing I could do it, and giving me the chance to try.

  SHANNON MESSENGER graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where she learned—among other things—that she liked watching movies much better than making them. She also regularly eats cupcakes for breakfast, sleeps with a bright blue stuffed elephant named Ella, and occasionally gets caught talking to imaginary people—so it was only natural for her to write stories for children. Keeper of the Lost Cities is her first novel, with Let the Sky Fall, a young adult novel, to follow in 2013. She lives in Southern California with her husband and an embarrassing number of cats. Find her online at shannonmessenger.com.

  Jacket designed by Karin Paprocki

  Jacket illustration copyright © 2012 by jason chan

  ALADDIN

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  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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  First Aladdin hardcover edition October 2012

  Copyright © 2012 by Shannon Messenger

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  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Messenger, Shannon.

  Keeper of the lost cities / by Shannon Messenger. — 1st Aladdin hardcover ed.

  p. cm.

  Summary: At age twelve, Sophie learns that the remarkable abilities that have always caused her to stand out identify her as an elf, and after being brought to Eternalia to hone her skills, discovers that she has secrets buried in her memory for which some would kill.

  ISBN 978-1-4424-4593-2 (hardcover)

  ISBN 978-1-4424-4595-6 (eBook)

  [1. Ability—Fiction. 2. Psychic ability—Fiction. 3. Memory—Fiction. 4. Identity—Fiction. 5. Foster parents—Fiction. 6. Elves—Fiction. 7. Fantasy.] I. Title.